Heading 3
Hiking Cincinnati Ohio
Hello Explorer!
I decided that in 2022, I would get outside and hike more consistently. I always loved hiking but generally only hiked when I was on vacation. However, like everything else, Covid changed me. During the world shut down, I started to hike locally. Ceaser's Creek State Park (near Cincinnati, Ohio) is near my home, so I decided to hike all the trails in the park. The challenge gave me the sanity I needed to cope with the unknown situation we were all dealing with at the time, and I discovered a new love for hiking.
That is when I came across "The 52 Hike Challenge"! Some industrious entrepreneurs came up with a made-up challenge to encourage people to complete 52 hikes in a year (one per week ideally). You can sign-up on this savvy person's website and earn some "52 Hike" swag. Of course, when I started hiking, and my friends learned what I was up to, several started to ask where I was going, how it worked, etc. So, friends, here are my rules, where I hiked, and how I rated each trail (out of five stars). I hope you find some value in my adventures and can take a few of your own.
​
My 52 Hike Challenge Rules
-
Try to hike a least once per week
-
The trial must be over 1-mile (or it does not count)
-
The hike must be on a trail (gravel, dirt, wood, etc.)
-
Solo hiking or in a group, both count
​
The official 52 hike challenge does not suggest guidelines. Each of the rules above was set by me to keep me on track and to establish some basic parameters for the hikes.
My Favorite Hikes
This is a work in progress... to be completed at the end of 2022 when the 52 Hike challenge is completed...
​
Here are the current top runners:
​
Sharon Woods Gorge Trail
Charelston Falls Perserve
Middle Creek Preserve
Hike Descriptions (sorted by date completed)
(Trails are identified by the name given on the All Trials App)
Johnson Nature Preserve
Trail: Botanical Trail (Johnson M. Benedict Nature Preserve
Length: 1.2 mile
Elevation: Easy up and down (98ft)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 3+ stars
​
Easy trail in a suburban area that lets you feel like you are in the forest. There is some minor highway noise but it's minimal. (The bridge to this trail is currently under repair.
Kelley Nature Preserve
Trail: Kelley Nature Preserve Loop
Length: 1.1 miles (take two loops
Elevation: Easy up and down (42ft)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 3+ stars
​
This loop is a nice trail that borders the Little Miami River. The trail is short, but you can take a couple of loops, and there are a few different spurs on the travel to explore.
Aullwood Audubon
Trail: The Troll that Hatched an Egg
Length: 1 to 2 miles (depending on route)
Elevation: Easy up and down (not on All Trails)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 4 stars (mainly for the Trolls)
​
This trail is actually outside of Cincinnati but it's not a far drive to the north and who wouldn't travel a little extra to hike with Trolls? Yes, there are trolls on this trail! There big and beautiful and fun. The trail is an easy stroll through the woods and you have a few choices on which way to go. Whatever you chose make sure to visit all the trolls along the way - they are really impressive. There is a fee to enter the Aullwood Preserve.
Red Bird Hollow Trail
Trail: Red Bird Hollow Trail
Length: 4.3 miles (out and back)
Elevation: Easy, some up and down (311ft)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 2 stars
​
This trail did not have much to recommend it. The pathway is constructed on an old rail line adjacent to a stream. The trail was in poor condition, and the scenery was lacking. Also, there were many dogs off-leash on this trail. I don't have a problem with letting dogs run free if your dog is well behaved, but I was charged twice and almost bitten once. The owners in both cases were 100 yards behind their free-roaming pups.
Rentschler Metro Park
Trail: Rentschler Waterfall Loop
Length: 2.3 mile
Elevation: Easy up and down (141ft)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 3 stars
​
The tail is located in a nice city park trail along the Great Miami River. There are several small waterfalls (or small cascades) along the route. There is also a pleasant park along the river with overlooks out onto the dam. The trail was in good condition.
​
​
Sharon Woods Park
Trail: Sharon Wood Gorge Trial
Length: 1.8 miles (out and back)
Elevation: Easy up and down (131ft)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 4+ stars
​
One of my favorite trails in Cincinnati. The trail is in excellent condition, and there are several waterfalls along the route. The trail is popular as it allows you to escape the city while staying in the suburbs. An additional fun feature is the presence of audio markers accessed with QC codes. There is a commentary on the geology and the vegetation in the park.
Glenwood Gardens
Trail: Garden Loop and Wetlands Loop Trail
Length: 2.6 miles (loop)
Elevation: Some up and down (160 ft)
Difficulty: Easy with an incline at the beginning
​
Rating: 2+ stars
​
This trail doesn't really meet my requirements for the 52 Hike Challenge as a large portion of the route is paved, however, its a pretty loop and during an Ohio winter its a great option when other trail are iced over and muddy. If your looking for a more manicured park stroll this trail is a great option.
Charelston Falls Perserve
Trail: Charelston Falls Loop
Length: 2.4 miles (out and back)
Elevation: Easy up and down (164ft)
Difficulty: Easy
​
Rating: 5 stars
​
One of my favorite trails! I love a waterfall hike and this one is prefect. The are lovely bidges over streams, strolls through the woods, a walk along a slight ridge and then a waterfall. Prefect.
French Park
Trail: French Park
Length: 2.1 miles (loop)
Elevation: Some up and down (331 ft)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
​
Rating: 1+ stars
​
The trail is located in a more populated area of Cincinnati in the City of Amerberly. Although you may feel like you are walking in the woods at times, there is no escape from the sounds of the city. Prevalent road noise and emergency vehicle sirens accompany you the whole way. In addition, the trail is washed out with considerable ruts in numerous sections. Therefore, I recommend against this trail. However, the picnic areas in the park are lovely.
Middle Creek Park
Trail: Middle Creek Park Loop
Length: 3.0 miles (loop)
Elevation: Some up and down (456 ft)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
​
Rating: 4+ stars
​
I hike this trail in late April when all the spring wild flowers were in bloom and it was absolutely Gorgeous. I thought the trail offered just enough elevation change to keep things interesting and there was a lovely stream transversing the park. I was able to add this on before a pick-up form the Cincinnati Airport. It's a great find if your in the area.
California Woods
Trail: California Wood and Ridge Loop
Length: 2.5 miles (loop)
Elevation: Some up and down (360 ft)
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
​
Rating: 3+ stars
​
Beautiful escape from the city without traveling too far. The trail is in good condition and offers a nice walk through a beautiful forest near the confluence of the Little Miami and Ohio Rivers. The 3+ star rating is due to a fair amount of traffic noise when you hike the section on the ridge above Route 52.
Hello!
My name is Tricia and I
have been fortunate to travel to amazing destinations with my husband Jamie. If you are enjoying our travel content and would like to send us a thank you (and perhaps buy us a coffee or glass of wine on our next trip) I invite you to join our Patreon. Happy Exploring!!